A Change of Direction

April 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Paul’s Conversion

What Does Conversion Mean?

Conversion refers to a time when a person believes in Jesus.

Paul’s conversion was very spectacular. There were flashing lights and Jesus’s voice was heard.

WOW!

Galatians 1:15-16 describes Paul as being a child of God before he was born, and then on the road to Damascus Jesus was revealed to Paul.

“But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.”Galatians 1:14-15

Notice that Paul was not seeking Jesus, instead God selected Paul before he was born. When it pleased God, He revealed Jesus to Paul. This means that Paul was always a child of God.

FYI: The picture of the house in Damascus has some modern fixtures–glass windows and screen– but its basic structure is much like houses when Paul was in this city.
For more photos of Syria, see Dick Osseman’s Gallery.

 

God’s children have two natures, a Flesh Nature and  a Spirit Nature.

Paul was always God’s child, thus Paul always had two natures. But, until God chose to reveal Jesus to Paul, he functioned only in his flesh nature. The fruits of the flesh nature are listed in Galatians 5: 19-20

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-20

When it pleased God, He revealed Jesus to Paul, and Paul believed. This means:

Paul was converted.
Paul was saved.
Paul’s spirit nature was quickened (awakened), thus Paul was able to communicate with God.

“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 1:24

Now that Paul’s spirit nature was awakened, Paul could function (walk) in his spirit nature. The fruits of the spirit nature are listed in Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Activity: Twirler

Before Saul Became A Believer he functioned (walked) in his Flesh Nature.

Walking in the flesh can be compared to going in the wrong direction, which will be counter-clockwise for the spinning Twirler in this activity.
Preparation

1. Make one copy of the Twirler pattern for each child. Three Twirler Patterns

2. Cut around the perimeter of each twirler, and then cut down the line separating the flaps.

Lesson

Some kids may have made a paper Twirler before, so before handing out the Twirlers ask them not to wait for instructions. Explain that you have a special way to prepare the paper.

1. With the paper laying on a flat surface, bend the Spirit Nature forward (toward you) as shown in the diagram. Crease the fold.

2. Turn the paper over, and repeat step 1 by bending the Flesh Nature flap. Notice that the flap with Flesh Nature printed on it is facing up.

3. You want the flaps to be as horizontal as possible, so raise the flaps and gently pull them upward to slightly uncrease the folds.

4. Attach one or more paper clips to the bottom of the paper as shown.

5. Holding the body of the Twirler near the flappers, raise the twirler and release.
NOTE: Feet should be on the floor during this activity- this helps to keep kids from climbing on top of chairs and tables.

After kids have dropped the paper Twirler, get their attention. Ask them to drop the paper again and while looking down on the twirling paper, note which direction the paper twirls.

Results: The Twirler spins counter-clockwise–opposite from the way clock hands move.

Relate counter-clockwise to the direction of someone walking in their Flesh Nature–Both are going the wrong way. Discuss the fruits of the Flesh Nature.

After Saul Became A Believer he functioned (walked) in his Spirit Nature.

Walking in your Spirit Nature can be compared to going in the right direction, which will be clockwise for the spinning Twirler in this activity.
Preparation

Before Saul Became A Believer he functioned (walked) in his flesh nature.

Walking in the flesh can be compared to going in the wrong direction, which will be counter-clockwise for the spinning Twirler in this activity.
Preparation

Reverse the position of the flappers so that the flap with Spirit Nature printed on it faces up. Drop the Twirler as before.

Results:

The Twirler spins in a clockwise direction.

Relate clockwise to the direction of someone walking in their Spirit Nature–Both are going the right way. Discuss the fruits of the Spirit Nature.

 

 

Filed Under: Bible Lessons For Children, Featured Articles About Jesus

Phillipians 4

April 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Philippians Chapter 4 in 72 Font requires 26 sheets of paper.

I put the pages in plastic sheet protectors, and then in a three-ringed binder.

 

Bookmarks

The Bible verse is printed in two separate columns on a sheet of paper.

Fold the paper in half, and then cut along the fold.

When cut, each paper produces two bookmarks.

Philippians 4:6 Bookmark in 51 Font.

Filed Under: Bible Verses Pdf

Vicki’s Beaded Bracelet Ministry

March 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The young woman holding the white Maltese puppy is Vicki.

Vicki is 50+ and has been epileptic most of her life. She wears the bike helmet to protect her head. I am so use to seeing her with the helmet that I forget about it.

But, Vicki’s helmet is not what I want to tell you. This amazing lady and her mother, Vivian, were able to witness to children and adults around the world without leaving their room at Golden Years Nursing Home in Marlin, Texas.  You can find this story here— Elderly Mass Produce Gospel Bracelets

Basically, Vicki and Vivian made Gospel Bracelets using colored beads as shown in the diagram.When Vicki’s mother died, Vicki found making the gospel bracelets reminded her of her mother.This memory was too painful.

Click Diagram for Bracelet Instructions

Click Diagram for Bracelet Instructions

It has been two years since Vivian died, and recently Vicki asked if she could again make the Gospel bracelets.

Without Vivian, I had to think of a way for Vicki to do this because Vivian cut the cord for each bracelet and tied all the knots.

I tried an idea that has really worked well. Instead of Vicki making individual bracelets, she string the beads in order of color one set after the other on a long cord.

I knew that the beads might fall off of the cord so I created a container to hold the cord.

I am such a Pack-Rat–but it generally pays off. I buy instant sugar-free tea with peach flavor–UUM! Good! I get this at WalMart. The tea is inside tiny plastic containers (more about these another time), which are stacked inside a tall plastic cylinder with a lid. The plastic cylinder is perfect.

I punched a hole in the bottom of several of the plastic cylinders and threaded the end of a long piece of the  bracelet cord through the hole. As you can see in the diagram, a knot was tied to keep the cord from being pulled out of the container.

How long is the coil of cord–I use about 6 feet, which is easy to work with.

Vicki strings the colored beads on the cord.To keep the beads from sliding off the end of the cord, I cut a diagonal  slit in the top of the container. Pulling the end of the cord down this slit secures it.

Vicki can work on the beads and secure the end of the cord when she gets tired.

When Vicki fills the cord, I pick it up replacing it with another container of cord. At this time, I don’t have helpers that can tie knots, so when I am resting, I cut 15 inch cord for individual bracelets, tie a knot just off center, and then thread a set of 5 beads off of Vicki’s cord onto the prepared cord. With the second knot tied, I have completed one bracelet.

We are back in the bracelet business again–yea!! Yes, I am looking for outlets for the bracelets.

This post is the second chapter in Vicki’s Bracelet Story. All the Chapters are listed below.

The Ongoing Story of Vicki’s Ministry for Jesus

1. How Vicki’s Gospel Bracelet Ministry Got Started

2. Vicki’s Special Method of Creating Gospel Bracelets

3. Vicki Trains A Missionary

 

Filed Under: Featured Article, Featured Articles About Jesus

Feeding Our Spirit Nature

March 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We Are Never too Old to Be of Service to God

I teach a Bible class at a local nursing home.  At first, the many interruptions made it difficult for me to stay focused on my lesson. 

For example:

Today, a lady blurted out that she would like a cup of coffee. I stopped my lesson and explained that coffee would be served again at lunch, which would be very soon.

Another lady’s shoe had fallen off and she was feebly trying to put it back on her foot. I assisted her, but didn’t have to stop speaking.

I was back on track and talking about a Bible verse when I was called to one of the tables. The lady wanted to know if my teeth were false. I said no, which  satisfied her, and then I returned to the Bible lesson.

Yes! The interruptions are distracting.
YES! Some in my class go to sleep.

YES! It is worth the effort of stepping over all the stumbling blocks.

What About Alzheimer Patients?

Let me share a beautiful story about Joy, an Alzheimer patient. This lovely lady walked around and often strolled through my Bible class. One day after the class had ended, Joy entered and asked Mary, who still had her Bible lesson on the table, what we were doing with all the colored papers.

FYI: I always print the Bible verse in very large font on brightly colored paper.

Mary explained that we were studying  John 3:16, and then she read the verse to Joy. Mary asked Joy if she remembered studying the verse in Sunday School when she was a kid.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Yes, Joy remembered Sunday School and the Bible verse. One memory sparked another and soon the ladies were chatting about old sayings, such as “Scarce as hen’s teeth” and “Once on a blue moon.”

Songs came next with “Mares Eat Oats” and “Dance with a Dolly With a Hole in Her Stocking.”

It was such a beautiful time of sharing, but soon Joy’s eyes let us know that the real Joy was gone-FOR NOW.

How blessed we were by Joy’s presence even though it was too short.

God had used Mary to feed Joy’s Spirit nature.

I remind my Bible class often that God is still using us, and that we will never be too old or too feeble to be useful to God. The exchange of God’s Word and child hood memories was spiritual food not only for Mary and Joy, but everyone who witnesses the event. Now you can be blessed as well.

Even if I never see any positive results,  God promises that His Word always serves His purpose.

I just need to present God’s Word and God  takes care of the rest.

This promise from God is found in Isaiah 55:10-11

10″For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,  And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

11So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.


 

Filed Under: Featured Article, Featured Articles About Jesus

Isaiah 55:1-3

January 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I love the poetic style of the New King James version. I also like that this  Bible version capitalizes pronouns that refer to God.

When reading scripture, I try to identify the person or persons receiving the message. For example, for me to better understand the message in Isaiah 55, I looked at Isaiah 1:1 and discovered that the book of Isaiah is a vision about the kingdom of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. God gave visions to His prophets, such as Isaiah.

Prophets were people God used to deliver his messages.

Israelites were God’s chosen people. This group divided forming two separate kingdoms, the southern kingdom was Judah. The city of Jerusalem where the Temple had been built was part of the area occupied by Judah. The northern kingdom was called Israel.

1 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters;  And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

In this verse thirst is not a physical need for the liquid called water.  Instead, thirst is referring to a spiritual need for God.

Water is often used symbolically for “eternal life” or “the Holy Spirit.” Jesus told the Samaritan women that He could give her “living water.” Jesus was saying that He could quench a person’s thirst for God. Jesus was telling the woman that He was the Messiah! (John 4:10)

Everyone who thirsts—Does all of mankind have a spiritual thirst for the living water? My understanding is that only God’s children have a spirit nature, and it is this nature that thirsts for God.

Only God’s children have a spirit nature.
It is the spirit nature that thirsts for God.

Buying without money? There is no costs for this satisfying spiritual nutrient.

This reminds me of the manna that fell from the sky each morning during the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the desert.

The things offered are spiritual nourishment, which quenches the thirst of a spirit nature.

Christ purchased them with His own blood.

2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy?
3Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.

The bread like the water in verse 1 refers to spiritual nutrients. The Israelites were always seeking after other Gods.

Even Solomon, who was the wisest man ever, began to collect wives from other groups of people who did not worship Jehovah (Yaweh) the one true God–it was his downfall.

The Old Testament is filled with examples of people who sought after what they desired but it did not satisfy. This is a description of a person walking in their flesh nature (Galatians 5:19-20)

Samson and Delilah are a prime example. God gave Samson extraordinary strength. The secret to his strength was his hair. He was never to cut his hair. As an Israelite, Sampson was not to marry outside his tribe, but he did. Delilah was a Philistine–she was paid money to entice Sampson to reveal the the secret of his strength. His physical desires for Delilah got the best of him and he told her the secret to his strength–which was his hair. Delilah gave him a haircut while he slept.

3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you— The sure mercies of David.

Only people with a spirit nature can commune with God. Only God’s children have a spirit nature. When it pleases God, He quickens your spirit nature, and you believe in Jesus.

This verse is to remind God’s children to seek Him–to draw near to Him.  Peace comes when our spirit is filled with “living water,” which comes from God.

James 4:8
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Filed Under: Adult Bible Study

Jesus Through the Bible

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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Craft: Apple-Cinnamon Dough

December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Spicy Dough for Seasonal Decorations

Spicy Craft DoughHow to Make Apple-Cinnamon Dough

Spicy dough is commonly used to make Christmas ornaments, but it can be used to make small spicy-smelling decorations to celebrate all seasons or events.

Since the dough has cinnamon, the color of the decorations will be cinnamon-brown. Just the name of the color makes me imagine a pleasant cinnamon smell.

Bible References

Philippians 4: 18 “But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God”. NAS

2 Corinthians 2:14 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” NAS

Ideas for Different Seasonal Celebrations:

Easter

Egg shapes with different colored ribbons or yarn. Ribbon with designs, such as flowers or eggs.

Mothers Day

Hearts or any shape created by a child. Several narrow colored ribbons could be used for each decoration. A ribbon with tiny hearts.

July 4th

Stars with a ribbon with red, white, and blue stripes.

Christmas

Stars to represent the Bethlehem star and any other shape. Red and/or green ribbon.

How to Make Apple-Cinnamon Dough

Teaching Tips: I suggest that you mix the dough at home. Determine how much each child will need to make the decoration, and then put this amount in a small plastic bag (sandwich bags work well). You could make the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated.

I confess that I’ve forgotten how many decorations the following recipe will make. I’ll put applesauce on my grocery list and do a little experimenting. Of course it will depend on the size of the decorations. I’ll post this information as soon as possible.

Teaching Tip: Make extra dough for possible visitors.

What to Do

1. Combine 1 cup of applesauce, 1 cup of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of white school glue in a large bowl.
2. I use my hands to thoroughly mix these materials until a thick dough is formed.

Possible Problems

* If the dough is too dry, add small amounts of applesauce until the dough can be easily rolled out.
* If the dough is too wet, add more cinnamon.

How to Shape the Spicy Dough

1. Wax paper makes a good surface for kids to lay their ornament on. Using a permanent marker, write each child’s name on the wax paper. This will help to identify the decorations later.

2. Since the dough will not be eaten, kids can shape the spicy dough with their hands. Even so, have the kids to clean their hands with a moist wipe.

To keep the dough from sticky to their hands, they need to sprinkle a little cinnamon on their hands.
CAUTION: To keep the ground cinnamon from being a breathing problem, add a tablespoon of flour to about 1/2 cup of cinnamon. Mix thoroughly and pour this mixture into a large bowl. Kids can press their hands on the surface of the mixture, and then slowly rub their hands together to spread the material around. Now they are ready to shape their decoration.

3. The ornaments need to be about 1/8th of an inch thick. If they are too thick it will take a long time to dry.
4. While the dough is wet, kids need to use a drinking straw to cut a hole in their decoration.  This is where the ribbon will be attached.

Teacher Tips:
1. If you have adult helpers, divide the decorations so that each only has a few decorations to take home and dry.

2. Make extra decorations–you never know who God will send to your next class meeting.

How to Dry the Spicy Decorations

1. Spray a cookie sheet with Pam, and then place the decorations on the pan.

Teaching Tip: Make a map of names showing the location of each child’s decoration on the baking pan.

2. Bake the spicy dough decorations for 30 minutes in a preheated oven set at  170 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the decorations to air dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Teaching Tip: After the decorations dry, print names on the back of each decoration.

Attaching Ribbon

1. Depending on age, kids can attach a ribbon to their decoration.

2. Decide on how long your want each ribbon to be, and then cut the ribbon in advance.

FYI: I teach a Bible class at a nursing home. In the past, I have hung decorations in their rooms, but I am planning to let them create their own decorations.

Enjoy your scented Decorations

Filed Under: Featured Articles About Jesus

A Clever Idea for Celebrating Jesus’ Birth

November 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

This is a must see!!

Filed Under: Adult Bible Study

The Trinity: Three In One

November 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Trinity Lesson/Craft

Topic: Trinity

The young girl represents the prayer position in modern times: hands clasped with head bowed.

The prayer position today is shown, hands clasped and head bowed.

Bible Explorations: Isaiah 55:8-9; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 14:9-11. 14:5; 1Corinthians 8:4, 1Peter 1:2

This lessons gives you clues for introducing the term–TRINITY.
The Bible Exploration above has different verses that make reference to God in three divine persons.

Prayer

Before having your opening pray, point out to the kids that today, we generally pray with our hands clasped and head bowed. The photo of the young girl is an example.

In distant past, a person prayed with arms crossed over their chest and head bowed.

In distant past, a person prayed with arms crossed over their chest and head bowed.

Explain that in the distant past, people prayed with their hands crossed on their chest. Using the picture of the young boy, demonstrate this. Notice that the boy has one hand on each of his shoulders. Explain that a monk baked treats for kids that learned their verses. These treats represented the crossed praying hands. This same shaped treat is now called a pretzel.

Point out that the pretzel shape will be used to model the trinity.

1. Ask if anyone can define the trinity.

2. Explain that the word trinity means three divine (Godly) persons.

3. Point out that the name of one of the three divine persons is God the Father.

4. Ask if anyone can identify the name of a second divine person.

A craft pretzel made of clay models the Trinity with each compartment representing God in three persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

A single roll of clay is shaped like a pretzel. This clay craft can be used to teach young and old about the Trinity.

Note: It is important that the three names each begin with God:

God the Father
God the Son
God the Holy Spirit.

Teaching Tip: Kids should only give one answer so that others can participate.

Making a Clay Pretzel to Model the Trinity

The clay pretzel models how one God can be Three Separate Divine Persons.

1. Give kids a small plum-size ball of modeling clay.

2. Point out that they each have ONE BALL OF CLAY.

3. Instruct the kids to roll the clay ball into a long rope-shape.

Teaching Tip: Using a comparable size ball of clay, roll out a clay-rope for an example. This helps kids to know how long to make the rope.

4. Point out that they now have ONE CLAY ROPE.

5. Instruct the kids to use the clay rope to form a pretzel shape.

Teaching Tip: Prepare a clay pretzel example and/or a drawing of a pretzel for kids to look at.

6. Ask the kids how many holes there are in the clay pretzel. (THREE).

Sum It Up!

One clay rope in the shape of a pretzel forms three separate parts.

One God in three divine persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.


 

Filed Under: Children's Bible Activities, Featured Articles About Jesus Tagged With: ,

Who Is Our Enemy?

October 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

WW II PosterWhile watching WW II documentaries, I learned that prior to the declaration of war, noted Americans, including John F. Kennedy were part of a national Anti-War organization.

On December 7, 1941, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and the US declared War. The Anti-War organization was dissolved and the representatives joined other Americans in defending our country. John F. Kennedy served in the navy.

The government organized a Citizens Service Corps so that every man, woman, and child could be part of winning the war. Soldiers were honored and supported.

The picture shown is a WW II Posters. Notice that the Holy Bible is what is being destroyed by the Nazi soldier. The German Nazis were clearly being identified as the enemy.

Our Enemy is anyone who want to destroy God Word–The printed Bible is a physical object–its not the destruction of the physical book–instead, it is anything or anyone that places other gods before GOD (Jesus Christ). God is not politically correct–The gods of every religion is not the same.

This poster was for all Americans, because the United States of America was a Christian Country. Our soldiers were fighting to preserve the freedoms that America cherished–being able to worship Jesus Christ topped the list. The US Constitution was being defended.

What has happened to our country?
The video below shows President Obama announcing that America is no longer a Christian country. Instead, we are a secular country.

America embraces all religions…..
America is governed by Civil Laws ….

How is this working for America?

How is America, the secular nation, doing?
How is America, the non-Christian nation, doing?

There has been a decrese in the freedoms to worship Jesus Christ.
Christian prayer has been taken out of public schools.
Christian prayer and God’s Word is being restricted.

More Americans are walking in their flesh nature. The fruits of this nature is described in
Galatians 5:19-20

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.?

So what’s the answer? Try 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, (UMM! Sounds like God does bring on bad things–Think about it!!! GOD IS IN CONTROL–IF SOMETHING HAPPENS–GOD ALLOWED IT OR DESIGNED IT. )

14 if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (It’s simple-God has given us the answer.)

Filed Under: Adult Bible Study
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